Cardiff City are gearing up for a massive summer in the transfer market.

After reaching the play-offs last season the hope among supporters was that the Bluebirds would be able to crack the top six again this time around.

Unfortunately for them that didn't quite happen.

Mick McCarthy will have big plans for the summer transfer window as he looks to build a squad that can challenge for promotion next term, but with funds likely to limited it means that Cardiff may have to look in the bargain bucket for some cut-price deals.

But who should the club be targeting?

Here are nine free agents who should be on Cardiff City's shopping list this summer.

The Barnsley midfielder has had a wonderful campaign.

After seeing his club to safety last term it was expected that Alex Mowatt would be leading the Tykes into a relegation battle this time around.

However it's safe to say that the Yorkshire side have been the EFL's biggest surprise package of the season.

Mowatt led Barnsley all the way to the play-offs against Swansea City, and while they ultimately fell short, the former Leeds academy star has certainly made a massive impression.

With his contract due to expire this summer he's bound to have some big admirers in the Championship and Cardiff City should be putting themselves right into the mix.

The Reading defender is bound to be attracting some serious interest this summer.

Tom McIntyre had made 44 appearances since breaking into the Royals' starting XI this term, proving himself as one of the top young talents at the club.

With a contract that is due to expire this summer it means that he could be available to move on for a nominal fee.

McIntyre is a tall, powerful defender and so there's no doubt that he would be a big asset for Cardiff City's backline.

Signing a player of the 22-year-old's ability and potential will be a major coup for any club in the Championship, and so Cardiff should be looking to put themselves right in the mix to get it done.

Sheffield Wednesday are offloading a number of players this summer after suffering relegation to League One.

Kadeem Harris is one of those in question.

The right winger made 41 appearances for the Owls this term and has been a huge player at Hillsborough since moving to the club two years ago.

Harris, of course, is a familiar face at Cardiff City after leaving the club in favour of a move to South Yorkshire, but given that he's available for a bargain fee it might be one that the Bluebirds look to consider.

Another Sheffield Wednesday man who is bound to attract significant interest.

Adam Reach has been at Hillsborough for five years since moving to the club from Middlesbrough but after suffering relegation with the Owls it has been confirmed that he will be allowed to move on.

The left winger is renowned as a technically gifted player with excellent crossing and pinpoint long-range strike accuracy.

Reach is likely to have a number of potential suitors and given Mick McCarthy's direct style of play, Reach could be seen as an ideal addition to provide service to the club's attackers.

A player who could fit perfectly into the team at Cardiff City.

Martyn Waghorn played a key role in helping Derby County to avoid relegation from the Championship but with his contract due to expire next month it seems that a move away from Pride Park could be on the cards.

The 31-year-old has already been linked with a move to the Bluebirds this summer, and based on his style of play it's not hard to see why.

As well as being a good finisher, Waghorn is a powerful presence and a proven leader in attack, meaning that he would undoubtedly be a big asset for Mick McCarthy's side if he was to make the move.

Given that he's available on a free transfer as well, it could be a no-brainer.

Britt Assombalonga is certainly in need of a fresh start.

The striker has been with Middlesbrough for four years and has been seen as a key man in seasons gone by, but this term things have all gone a little bit sour.

The 28-year-old is out of contract this summer, but despite a rough season, looks certain to attract significant interest from clubs in the Championship.

If given the right service there's no doubt that Assombalonga can be a 10-15 goal-a-season striker in the second tier and if Mick McCarthy can tap into that, it could prove to be a smart move.

The winger looks set to be on the move again this summer.

Sammy Ameobi came through the ranks at Newcastle United before moving on to have a successful career in the EFL.

The 29-year-old spent a successful season on loan at Cardiff City earlier in his career, and given that his Nottingham Forest deal is set to expire, there could be a chance that the Bluebirds will consider a move for the player

Ameobi would offer real versatility due to his ability to play on the wings and up front, and with 14 goal involvements last term and five this time around, it's clear that he has some real talent.

Whether he'll be seen as a good fit for Mick McCarthy is up for debate, but he's still someone who is worth considering.

A player who is attracting a lot of Championship interest.

Charlie Wyke has enjoyed a wonderful season with Sunderland after scoring 31 times for Lee Johnson's side on their way to the play-off semi-finals.

Unfortunately the Black Cats fell short in their ambitions of securing promotion to the Championship, meaning that the striker could be on the move.

Wyke has already been linked with a move to Cardiff and it's not hard to see why based on his success in the role of an out and out number nine who can lead the line and be a clear focal point for the team.

But with competition building for his signature it seems that the Bluebirds will have to put forward quite a case to get the deal done.

How could you not consider a move for Jack Wilshere?

The midfielder looked set to be one of the best players in world football after bursting onto the scene with Arsenal and England.

Wilshere made almost 200 appearances for the Gunners before injuries took a hold of his career before moving to West Ham and Bournemouth in recent years.

Having made 17 appearances for the Cherries this term it seems like he's going to be allowed to leave at the end of his contract, and while he might not be someone who can feature regularly for Cardiff, he might add a crucial touch of quality to the club's midfield.

Perhaps it would be seen as a slightly superficial signing, but if Cardiff wanted to then it could prove to be a very exciting signing.